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CHAPTER 31 The days click by one chart at a time, and the nights compress into quiet hours—shared meals, low lights, bedtime rituals. Meanwhile, Mick and I trade a stream of texts about logistics, legalities, and day-today details of Phoebe’s life. Most evenings, the two of them FaceTime me at bedtime so I can tell … Read more
CHAPTER 30 The next morning, my walk to work feels different—louder and more chaotic after the slow rhythm of morning coffee at my parents’ table and Phoebe curled into me on Joan’s sofa. It’s hard to believe both places exist at once—each one oblivious to the other. I stop at a flower stand and pick … Read more
CHAPTER 29 Two hours later, I’m on the curb at LaGuardia, scanning the line of cars for Dean’s Range Rover. He spots me, hops out, and jogs toward me. “Hey, baby,” he says, giving me a quick kiss. “Hi, honey,” I say. He takes my bag, rolls it to the open trunk, and sets it … Read more
CHAPTER 28 The next morning, after a quick coffee with my parents, I head back over to Joan’s, finding Phoebe already up, eating cereal in front of the television. I sit with her for a moment, then mute a commercial and turn to face her. “So I talked to Mick last night—” “About Hank?” she … Read more
CHAPTER 27 Erin’s condo complex is quiet, the kind of Saturday stillness that feels lonely even under the best of circumstances. I tap her key fob at the gate and find a guest spot. I’ve only been here a couple times before, but I’ve mailed enough cards and gifts to know her unit number by … Read more
CHAPTER 26 Back inside, Phoebe pads into the kitchen, wearing blue leggings and a knockoff Lululemon belt bag across an oversize pink sweatshirt. Her hair is wet, and she scrunches her curls with both hands, just the way Erin used to. “There she is,” I say, hearing my dad in my own voice. Phoebe smiles, … Read more
CHAPTER 25 I wake up disoriented, then remember where I am. I roll onto my back, Mick’s words from last night surfacing at once: Don’t lead me on again. I tell myself not to dwell on it. It’s not the time to be thin-skinned. I check my phone and see a missed call from Dean. … Read more
CHAPTER 24 A moment later, Mick and Phoebe return to the kitchen with burgers, potatoes, and asparagus. Their cheeks and noses are red with cold. I clear my throat and gesture toward the bag I’ve set on the counter. “Lena stopped by with your prescription.” “You met?” “Yes. She’s very nice.” He nods, giving me … Read more
CHAPTER 23 I’ve always pictured Mick living nearby, but twenty minutes into the drive, we’re still coasting down a narrow two-lane highway, hemmed by woods and farmland. Finally, we turn down a gravel road that winds through the trees and opens into a sunlit clearing. Mick’s ranch-style home is understated but stylish—dark wood siding, steel … Read more
CHAPTER 22 Mick returns to the porch and drops into the chair across from me. He runs his hands through his hair, then leans back, eyes flicking over my face. “Wow,” he says. “I know,” I say, still reeling, while also wondering why custody of Phoebe never occurred to me before now. Maybe I just … Read more
CHAPTER 21 Back at my parents’ house, I change into jeans and a sweater and join my family and Brooke in the family room. My dad already has a fire going, and I sit on the floor, close to the warmth. It’s just a small pause before I head over to Joan’s. “Your words were … Read more
CHAPTER 20 I wake with a start, rolling over to glance at the time on my phone: 6:15. Too late to try to go back to sleep, too early to get up. I check my texts, surprised to see one from Dean that just came in, 4:10 a.m. Vegas time: Hang in there today. I … Read more